Allen Vs. Robb?

Governor Would Put Senator In Underdog's Position

December 09, 1997

Perhaps getting elected to the U.S. Senate would be a promotion for the governors of some states, but it is most certainly not a promotion for a governor of Virginia. The move - at best - can be regarded as a lateral transfer. The salary is higher, but a strong governor can run Virginia, whereas senators sometimes have a hard time running a committee.

But certainly the Senate offers challenges and opportunities, and Gov. George Allen's interest in seeking the office is understandable. Over the weekend he told his fellow Republicans he may run for the job in 2000, which would pit him against another former governor, Democrat Charles Robb - assuming, of course, Robb seeks re-election.

Robb was narrowly re-elected in 1994, thanks to state Republicans' decision to nominate as their candidate about the only person in Virginia Robb could beat, Oliver North. But Robb remains a politician weakened by mistakes in his personal life, a condition that will contrast sharply with Allen's life.

More important, we hope, will be the issues of public policy. But even there Allen enjoys an advantage. Robb will be able to talk about his experience in foreign policy, but Allen will have solid achievements to tout in economic development and criminal justice. On social issues, he and Republicans are riding high on the conservative tide.

Much can change in two years, for the political parties and individual candidates. But unless much does change, Robb will be a rare species: an incumbent who's an underdog.